In the 11-year period of 2005 through 2015, canines killed 360 Americans. Pit bulls contributed to 64% (232) of these deaths. Combined, pit bulls and rottweilers contributed to 76% of the total recorded deaths. | More »

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Penalty Unknown
Lockport, NY - The Buffalo News recently reported that a Spalding Street woman was charged after her two pit bulls got loose and attacked a neighbor’s small dog. Judy Hill, 39, was charged with reckless endangerment and two counts of having dogs at large. The article did not state the possible penalties involved in the charges, but it seems that "reckless endangerment" would carry greater weight than a "dogs at large" citation.

According to Lockport police, the incident occurred on Lewis Street. One of the attacking dogs was found in the backyard of a Lewis Street home with blood dripping from its mouth and the other dog ran from the scene. The smaller dog was injured, as was a boy who separated the dogs. He was treated for hand injuries by Lockport firefighters. It is not known what happened to the offending dogs. We hope they were not returned to Hill.

The Lockport police and Dog Warden do not take dog attacks as seriously now as they did in 2009.

My daughter was attacked by a Rott mix in May 2011. This was the second documented unprovoked attack by this vicious dog. Even though the Judge ordered the dog destroyed, the dog warden still has not seized the dog and is not even trying to. (the owner is hiding it). No criminal charges against the owner. Two weeks ago another child was attacked by a different dog. Again no criminal charges, the DA said it was an unfortunate accident. But in this case the dog was seized and will be put down even though it is the first attack.